How to check if a file exists in Matlab? [closed]

Question

if exist('JaccardDistance', 'file')==1
    load('JaccardDistance');
else
    % Do things
end

The file JaccardDistance is in the same folder where this code is being executed. The problem is that the "else" part is always being executed, which means that it is not recognizing that the file JaccardDistance exists. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

For files you exists will return a 2 not a 1. You should also include the file extension in the check.

if exist('JaccardDistance.m', 'file') == 2

ref matlab forum Or read the manual:

exist name returns the status of name:

• 0 name does not exist.
• 1 name is a variable in the workspace.

• 2 One of the following is true:

  • name exists on your MATLAB® search path as a file with extension .m.
  • name is the name of an ordinary file on your MATLAB search path.
  • name is the full pathname to any file.